Proposal would add new look to Phoenix skyline

By Mark Remillard | June 11, 2014 at 5:00 amUPDATED: June 11, 2014 at 5:00 am

PHOENIX — Major changes could be coming to downtown Phoenix’s skyline if a proposal makes its way through the city council.

The proposal seeks a partnership between the city of Phoenix and the public transit department to get the most out of the Central Station land between First and Central avenues, just north of Van Buren.

Eric Johnson, program manager with the city of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department, said the proposal would add a new feature to the Phoenix skyline.

“The proposal is for a 34-story high-rise tower that would include approximately 475 apartments,” Johnson said. “As well as a parking garage, ground floor commercial space, public transit facilities, co-work space and some other public amenities.”

Johnson said the city’s goal for the project is to continue to vitalize the downtown area.

“We are looking for an iconically-designed building and project to be built at this central location, and we are looking for them to activate the area in downtown by the creation of more residential options, as well as commercial and public transit office space,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the project is seeking $82 million and the city expects that if it is approved it would be completed no later than 2018.